THE LAST GREAT UNKNOWN BLUESMAN HAS BEEN FOUND Norman Jackson was born in Canton, Ohio and was raised in Detroit and Chicago. His mother managed popular gospel groups of the day, so music constantly surrounded Norman's home. It wouldn't be unusual for Sam Cooke to stop by and practice for an upcoming service. In the years ahead, Norman would travel with several gospel groups around the country including the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Gospel music still influences Norman's silky soulful vocals today. As an ordained minister, Norman finds that no matter what he's singing, his job is to reach others by making them smile and forget their problems. After moving to the southside of Chicago as a very young man, Norman began to learn to play the guitar. His home neighbored a hotel that many legendary Bluesmen would stay at when traveling to Chicago. Norman would sit on his pack porch to sing and play and was often approached by artists such as B.B. King, Little Milton, Otis Clay, and many more to listen, encourage, and teach the music that Norman loves so much. After many years, Norman moved to Springfield, Missouri. He met a young Rick Shortt (also originally from Chicago) when Rick was twelve. Rick had already begun playing the saxophone at Blues haunts around the area and first saw Norman when walking past a window where he could see Norman singing inside. He was drawn by Norman's magic: his ability to draw an audience in with his showmanship and storytelling. When they met that night, it was just the beginning of a long apprenticeship. Norman would teach reach Rick his wild stage antics so, "I wouldn't have to anymore. I'm getting too old and if I get down on that floor I'll never get back up!". Rick, was always a Blues player. All he ever wanted to do was play the saxophone like Junior Wells played the harmonica. Their partnership eventually grew into a full time dual role leading the Norman Jackson Band. Norman as the captivating front man singing, telling his stories, and playing funky rhythm guitar lines and Rick the wild lead player and showman. In 2016 they were ranked as the #3 Blues band in the world at the International Blues Challenge Finals in Memphis, Tennessee. Since then, they have played major Blues clubs, Blues festivals, and theaters around the world. The Norman Jackson Band is currently on an international tour around America, Europe, and Korea promoting their new album release, "It's the Drummer's Fault!", but even moreseo they promote Blues music in its truest form. Norman and Rick have never forgotten their mission to make others' smile. So, they tell their unbelievable stories (but true) on stage to make you smile, laugh, and "GET DOWN!". The true heart of genuine Blues is sincere storytelling which is what Norman learned from the master Bluesmen who taught him. That's why when you come to hear the Norman Jackson Band, they'll make sure you "Get Your Happy On!". Learn how you can "Get Your Happy On!" with a full schedule of the band's tour dates, by picking up their new album, or by viewing pictures and stories from the road at
TheNormanJacksonBand.Com